MAY/JUNE 2026

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MAY/JUNE 2026

Dr. Alan Hale—who codiscovered a comet in the 1990s—reflects on scientific impact, global attention and legacy Page 12
May 1, 2026 • Vol. 78, No. 5
USPS 175-880 • ISSN 0046-1946
Enchantment (ISSN 0046-1946) is published 10 times a year—every month except June and December—by the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association, 614 Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87505. Enchantment provides reliable, helpful information on rural living and energy use to electric cooperative members and customers.
More than 113,000 families and businesses receive Enchantment magazine as electric cooperative members. Nonmember subscriptions are available at $12 a year or $18 for two years, payable to NMRECA. Allow four to eight weeks for first delivery.
PERIODICAL POSTAGE paid at Santa Fe, NM 87501-9998 and additional mailing offices.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Postmaster, please send address changes to 614 Don Gaspar Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87505-4428. Readers who receive the publication through their electric cooperative membership should report address changes to their local electric cooperative office.
THE NEW MEXICO RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION provides legislative and educational services to the cooperatives that are members of the association and deliver electric power to New Mexico’s rural areas and small communities. The mission of the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association is to strengthen, support, unify and represent cooperative member interests at the local, state and national levels. Each cooperative has a representative on the association’s board of directors, which controls the editorial content and advertising policy of Enchantment through its Publications Committee.
OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tim Morrow, President, Springer Electric Co-op, Springer; Charles G. Wagner, Vice President, Western Farmers’ Electric Co-op, Anadarko, Oklahoma; Preston Stone, Secretary-Treasurer, Otero County Electric Co-op, Cloudcroft.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rusty Gwynne, Central Valley Electric Co-op, Artesia; Bill King, Central NM Electric Co-op, Mountainair; Chris Martinez, Columbus Electric Co-op, Deming; Keith Gottlieb, Continental Divide Electric Co-op, Grants; Antonio Sanchez, Farmers’ Electric Co-op, Clovis; Manny Bustos, Jemez Mountains Electric, Española; Bobby Ferris, Lea County Electric Co-op, Lovington; James Ortiz, Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Mora; Thomas G. Rivas, Northern Río Arriba Electric Co-op, Chama; Eric Segovia, Roosevelt County Electric Co-op, Portales; Raymond Ruffini, Sierra Electric Co-op, Elephant Butte; Manny Gonzales, Socorro Electric Cooperative; Joe Reeser, Southwestern Electric Co-op, Clayton; Wayne Connell, Tri-State G&T Association, Westminster, Colorado.
NEW MEXICO RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
614 Don Gaspar Ave. Phone: 505-982-4671 Santa Fe, NM 87505 Fax: 505-982-0153 nmelectric.coop Enchantment.coop
Vince Martinez, CEO
Tom Condit, Editor & Director of Communications
DISPLAY ADVERTISING: Rates available upon request. Co-op members and New Mexico display advertisers, email Ryan Ferguson at Enchantmentads@nmelectric. coop or call 409-313-3142. National representative: American MainStreet Publications, 800-626-1181. Advertisements in Enchantment are paid solicitations and are not endorsed by the publisher or the electric cooperatives that are members of the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association. PRODUCT SATISFACTION, COMPLAINCE WITH APPLICABLE ADVERTISING RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITY LIE SOLELY WITH THE ADVERTISER. © 2026 New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association, in partnership with Pioneer Utility Resources. Reproduction prohibited without written permission of the publisher.
Dear Members,
When Enchantment did not include a Letter from the Editor in April, it allowed us to make room for additional stories and features that highlight the people and communities we serve.
April’s issue was filled with meaningful content from across our cooperative communities. Among them was a powerful article by Maj. Gen. Ken Nava, the former adjutant general of the New Mexico National Guard. It shared insight on the legacy and significance of the Bataan Death March—an important reminder of the sacrifice and resilience that continue to shape our history today.

We continued building out our Get to Know Your Co-op section, highlighting the people and leadership behind the cooperatives that serve communities across New Mexico. These stories help connect us all and reinforce the shared mission that unites our statewide network.
As we move into May, we’re excited to share some major updates on the digital side. Our statewide website and the Enchantment website have served us well for many years, but they were due for a significant refresh. By the time you read this, our Enchantment site will be live but our statewide site will still be under development.
These updated platforms are designed to provide a more modern experience, improved navigation and easier access to the information relied on by our readers—who are memberowners of their electric cooperatives—our member cooperatives and the partners we work with across New Mexico.
We invite you to explore the new Enchantment site and share your feeback as we continue refining how we deliver timely, relevant information to the communities we serve.
As always, Enchantment remains focused on telling the stories that matter most to rural New Mexico—stories of community, service and progress.
Enchantment does not publish a June issue. We look forward to returning in July with more stories from across the state.
Warmly,
Tom Condit Editor & Director of Communications New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Congratulations to Nadia Lopez! Nadia read her Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative edition of Enchantment with her puppy, Mocha. Nadia wins $20!
Take a photo of yourself or someone else with the magazine, and email it with a few words about the photo. Include your name, mailing address and co-op name. One lucky member will win $20. Submitting your photos gives us permission to publish or post the photos in Enchantment, on Facebook and in other media outlets. Email tcondit@nmelectric.coop.











As parents of four adult children, my wife and I are often amused by just how different each of them is. At their core, they share our family values and overall beliefs, but each one is unique in their own way. Some still can’t turn off a light when they leave a room, others are proud of their independence and others groan about the challenges of adulthood.
Like my family, New Mexico’s rural electric cooperatives are very much the same but also very different. Rural electric cooperatives are guided by the Seven Cooperative Principles, but that is where the similarities end. Terrain, population, size, territory and number of residential customers versus commercial loads are just a few of the unique characteristics of our co-ops.
“If you have seen one co-op, you have seen one co-op.”
The differences between the co-ops are among the many strengths in serving their members. Each co-op is managed and locally run by an elected board of trustees, who live and work in the co-op territory and answer to the member-owners. This is key to the success of each co-op.
Recently, a public official said he thought there were too many cooperatives and that consolidating or merging them could best serve rural New Mexico. Our existence as cooperatives in New Mexico dates to the late 1930s and stems from for-profit utilities’ unwillingness to serve rural areas because they couldn’t make any money doing so. Cooperatives were created in areas of our state based on the unique needs of the area and its people, not on the convenience of regulation or a one-size-fits-all approach.

Our New Mexico rural electric cooperatives are vibrant, modern, employ the latest technology and equipment, and are fully poised to take on the challenges of today and tomorrow. I can assure you your co-op’s boards of trustees, CEOs and employees are fully committed to ensuring the safe delivery of reliable, affordable and responsible electricity to each of you in their own unique ways.
Vince Martinez, NMRECA CEO
Cooperatives around the world operate according to the same set of core principles and values. These principles are a key reason that America’s electric cooperatives operate differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of their members first.
1. Open and Voluntary Membership
2. Democratic Member Control
3. Members’ Economic Participation
4. Autonomy and Independence
5. Education, Training and Information
6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
7. Concern for Community

No coin embodies the spirit of America more than the Morgan Silver Dollar. From the Comstock Lode discovery that provided millions of ounces of silver to make them, to outlaws robbing stage coaches in the Wild West to pay for their bar tabs and brothel visits, the hefty Morgan Silver Dollar holds a special place in American history.
It’s no wonder collectors and history buffs alike clamor to get their hands on them. That is, if they can get their hands on them.
Collectors love “lasts” as no collection is complete without the last coin struck. Last year coins are often hard to find and always in demand. Little did master engraver George T. Morgan know the legacy he was creating when he designed what has become known as “The King of Silver Dollars” but it came to an end 104 years ago with the last-year 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar, the most beloved coin in American history.
Rarcoa®, America’s Oldest Coin Company, is announcing the public release of 832 of the very last year 1921 Morgan Silver Dollars, struck at the iconic Philadelphia Mint. Each coin today comes in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, pristine as the day they were struck!
Struck in 1921, each coin is one hundred and four years old. Could Charles Lindbergh have carried your coin in his pocket during his flight across the Atlantic? Or maybe your greatgrandfather carried it while storming the beaches of Normandy during World War II before ending up in a small coin shop in Tuscaloosa, Oklahoma. Each coin has its own unique history and you can hold 104 years of American history when you buy yours today!






Coin experts estimate that only 15%-20% of Morgans are still surviving today due to multiple mass-meltings over the years. The Pittman Act of 1918 melted over 270,000,000 coins, that’s almost 50% of all coins produced at the time. Untold quantities were melted in the 1980s and 2000s when silver prices rose up to $50 per ounce.
This same 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar sells elsewhere for as much as $239. But thanks to Rarcoa’s buying power and numismatic expertise, you can own one for as little as $89.95, in quantity while supplies last. That’s a difference of up to $149!
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If you’ve lived in New Mexico for any length of time, you know the weather can change fast. Cool mornings, hot afternoons and chilly evenings are common across our rural communities.
The good news? You can use these natural temperature swings to your advantage—keeping your home comfortable while lowering energy use.
In many parts of rural New Mexico, nighttime temperatures drop significantly, even during the summer.
To keep cool, try this:
• Open windows in the evening and overnight.
• Use fans to circulate cool air through your home.
• Close windows early in the morning before the heat builds. By doing so, you store cool air inside your home, reducing the need for cooling during the hottest part of the day.
Once the sun is up, your goal shifts from letting air in to keeping heat out.
• Close windows and doors by midmorning.
• Use blinds or blackout curtains on sun-facing windows.
• Limit how often doors are opened during peak heat. Homes in open areas or with little shade heat up faster.
Managing sunlight is one of the easiest ways to stay comfortable. For a quick energy win, close curtains or blinds on southand west-facing windows before noon. This simple step can significantly reduce indoor heat gain and keep your home cooler longer.
For swamp cooler homes, consider these tips:
• Keep a few windows slightly open to allow airflow.
• Run early in the morning to flush out warm air.
• Maintain pads and water flow for best performance. For homes with air conditioning, consider the following:
• Set your thermostat to a consistent temperature.
• Avoid frequent adjustments—they use more energy.
• Use ceiling fans to feel cooler without lowering the temperature.







This project was supported by Grant No. 15PBJA-23-GG-00024-BSCI awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice’s Oice of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Oice of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Oice for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Oice. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the oicial position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Hale

Two bright worlds shine in our western skies during the evening hours of the pleasant May nights. Venus is a brilliant object high in the west during and after dusk. During late May and early June, it doesn’t set until after 11 p.m. Meanwhile, Jupiter gradually descends in the west throughout May and into June. On the evenings of June 8 and 9, it and Venus will have a rather spectacular conjunction.
A third planet appears in the evening sky during the latter part of May. Our solar system’s innermost world, Mercury, begins emerging out of the dusk during the final week of the month. It will be at its highest above the horizon during the second week of June before descending back into the dusk later that month.
After being all but empty of planets for the past couple of months, the morning sky begins exhibiting them again in May. Saturn and Mars rise in early twilight at the beginning of the month
and continue to rise earlier in subsequent weeks. Both worlds will be above the horizon before dawn by the latter part of June.
Saturn is at opposition—directly opposite the sun in the sky— in early October, while Mars reaches that point next February.
New Mexicans have an interesting opportunity to witness a somewhat unusual sight next month. On Wednesday, June 17, the waxing crescent moon will occult, or pass directly in front of, Venus. This event occurs during the early afternoon hours, with the moon’s dark side covering up Venus shortly before 1 p.m. and Venus then reappearing from behind the moon’s lit crescent just before 2:15 p.m.
Venus is bright enough to be spotted easily with the unaided eye during daytime, although the hard part can be locating it. With a thin crescent moon guiding the way, it should be easy to spot Venus in the afternoon sky before and after the occultation.

My friend Sergio is a mixed martial arts fighter. His shoulders are broad. His muscles have muscles. He’s not the kind of person you want to be on the wrong side of.
This manly man has a saying about being tough: You should either know how to fight or look like you do.
The message is simple enough. People spoiling for a fight usually don’t pick the biggest guy in the bar. If you look like someone who shouldn’t be messed with, you likely won’t be. With our Blue Bone Bowie Knife on your hip, that’s exactly the message you’ll send.
As beautiful as it is functional, this knife is 10" overall and features a high-quality 420 surgical stainless steel blade with a serrated spine. The handle is constructed of genuine natural bone with redwood spacers. On the handle you’ll find design work that’s carved by hand, a testament to its craftsmanship.
This knife is stick tang, meaning it won’t wimp out when you need it. This knife also features brass hand guards and brass spacers with file work, so you won’t lose your grip. For easy carrying, it comes with a genuine tooled leather sheath. CALL NOW! If you’re one of the rst 700 587 callers for this ad, we’ll throw in a pair of Stauer Pocket Binoculars — a $99 value
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Dr. Alan Hale—who codiscovered a comet in the 1990s—reflects on scientific impact, global attention and legacy
By Tom Condit
This is part two of a two-part feature on Dr. Alan Hale. Last month, we explored Hale’s early life, scientific career and the events leading to the discovery of Comet Hale-Bopp. In this installment, we look at the scientific significance of the comet, the global attention it generated, and Hale’s reflections on legacy and time.
When Comet Hale-Bopp was first discovered, there was nothing to suggest it would become anything extraordinary. It looked just like the other comets Alan Hale had seen.
That changed in early August 1995. The first viable orbital calculations became available that year and showed that the comet was still approximately a year and a half away from its closest approaches to the sun and Earth. Combined with its relatively bright appearance at discovery, this indicated a high intrinsic brightness and suggested the potential that it could become a very bright comet.
As time passed, it became increasingly clear Hale-Bopp would indeed become a major astronomical event. Its early discovery provided scientists with an unusually long lead time to plan observations. At the time, most comets were discovered only months before their closest approach.
In 1997, Hale-Bopp was visible for an extended period and was seen by more people than any other comet in recorded history.
“The knowledge that people around the world could see this comet—and know that my name was on it—is a feeling that is hard to describe,” Alan says.
Hale-Bopp is one of the largest comets ever observed. If all comets could be viewed under identical conditions—at the same distance from the sun and Earth—Hale-Bopp would rank among the brightest ever seen in history.
When Hale-Bopp was discovered in 1995, there was an initial flurry of publicity. That attention subsided within a few weeks.
Public and media interest grew again a year later, peaking in 1997, as it became increasingly likely Hale-Bopp would become a bright, widely visible comet.
Alan’s first interactions with the media were positive. Science reporter John Fleck of the Albuquerque Journal took great care to verify details, calling multiple times to ensure accuracy before publishing.
However, not all media representatives approached the story with the same level of diligence. Some misunderstood or misrepresented facts, even after repeated explanations.
At times, the attention became overwhelming. Alan received numerous phone calls, including early morning calls from East
Coast radio stations that did not account for time zone differences. Eventually, he disconnected the ringers on his phones at night.
When news broke of the Heaven’s Gate mass suicide, where a cult believed the Hale-Bopp comet was an alien spaceship they could board by dying, the volume of media inquiries became so intense that Alan stopped answering individual calls and instead organized a press conference the following day. The turnout— particularly in a small town like Cloudcroft—was remarkable. He held the press conference at The Lodge, which subsequently benefited from the influx of visiting media representatives.
Among the more frustrating aspects of media attention were questions that assumed conflict between Alan and Thomas Bopp over their simultaneous discoveries of the comet and it being named after both of them. Alan has always rejected that narrative.
Both discoveries were legitimate. Both individuals independently observed the object, followed up appropriately and reported it according to established procedures.
“Our names both belonged on it,” Alan says.
The discovery of Hale-Bopp significantly changed Alan’s life, both professionally and personally.
It provided him with what he describes as a “career,” even if it differed from the traditional scientific path he had originally envisioned. Through his organization, Earthrise Institute, he was able to raise funding to support scientific and educational activities, including involvement in spacecraft missions. The visibility of the comet opened doors to teaching opportunities, including work with the American Public University System and the International Space University.
It also led to extensive travel and experiences for Alan and his family. These included trips to New York and Washington, D.C., where Alan met with members of Congress and officials with the Clinton administration. He also participated in a private cometviewing session at the U.S. Naval Observatory with Vice President Al Gore and his wife, Tipper.




Other experiences included a three-week visit to Australia, a solar eclipse cruise in the Caribbean and a trip to Africa to observe another eclipse.
Alan attended an educational fundraising event in Los Angeles, where he met individuals from the scientific and entertainment communities, including Patrick Stewart, Morgan Freeman and James Cameron, who shared how Hale-Bopp played a role in the filming of “Titanic.”
Alan also spoke at a “Star Trek” convention and met individuals associated with the franchise that had influenced his early interest in space.
Perhaps most meaningful to Alan were his “science diplomacy” efforts. In collaboration with organizations such as Search for Common Ground, he participated in expeditions to Iran in 1999 and 2000, engaging directly with students and communities. In 2009, he traveled to Lebanon to speak with high school students during the International Year of Astronomy.
In recognition of these efforts, Alan was named a State Finalist for the “Above and Beyond” Citizens Award presented by the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
He considers that recognition especially meaningful, as it

COUNTERCLOCKWISE, FROM ABOVE: Alan and members of the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces gather in October 2024 at a comet-watching star party for Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS at The Village at Northrise in Las Cruces. PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW MEXICO STATE SEN. JEFF STEINBORN Alan poses with Stacy Heen of Search for Common Ground at the “stone lion” in Hamadan, Iran, in August 1999. PHOTO COURTESY OF DOUG BIESECKER Alan, second left, celebrates his wedding in August 2024 with wife, Vickie, sons Zachary and Tyler, and their families. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALAN HALE
acknowledged his efforts to use the opportunities created by the comet discovery to contribute positively to society.
Alan isn’t sure if Hale-Bopp taught him anything about patience and perseverance.
He spent years conducting systematic comet searches, only to stop those efforts in 1992. Three years later, he discovered HaleBopp not during a deliberate search, but while observing known objects.
However, he does identify an important lesson from an earlier experience. In the late summer of 1975, while lying in his front yard and observing the night sky, he noticed a star in the constellation Cygnus that did not match the pattern he remembered. After briefly examining it, he dismissed it.
The following day, the local newspaper reported the appearance of a bright nova—Nova Cygni 1975—the brightest nova visible during his lifetime. Although he would not have received credit for its discovery even if he had followed up, the experience left a lasting impression. Since then, whenever he encounters something unusual, he takes the time to investigate it.

“While 99% of the time this will turn out to be something that has always been there, it’s that other 1% that can make all the difference,” Alan says.
Legacy
Comet Hale-Bopp is expected to return in approximately 2,400 years. One published estimate suggests a return in August 4393, although such predictions carry uncertainty.
If human civilization still exists at that time, future generations may observe the comet and recognize its name.
“That gives me a form of immortality that few humans have or will ever achieve,” Alan says.
Today, Alan remains active in scientific and educational efforts. Through Global Sky Partners—an educators’ forum associated with the Las Cumbres Observatory—he participates in observational work and collaborates with educators around the world.
He has contributed to follow-up observations of newly discovered objects—including Comet 3I/ATLAS—and has recovered expected returning comets such as Comet 13P/Olbers.
Alan still lives in the Sacramento Mountains near Cloudcroft, not far from where he made his historic discovery.
Life has moved forward. He is happily remarried, and his two sons—who were young children at the time of the discovery—are grown and have families of their own.
Alan still enjoys observing the night sky, although health challenges have limited his ability to do so as extensively as in the past.
“But at least the phone doesn’t ring all night anymore,” he says.


In addition to being one of the most-viewed comets in history, Hale-Bopp was the subject of much scientific study.
Comets, Alan Hale says, are the “leftovers” from the formation of the solar system. Studying them provides insight into planetary formation, including the origins of Earth and the delivery of materials necessary for life.
Technological advancements played a critical role in helping people learn from Hale-Bopp. Relatively new technology, such as electronic detectors, expanding internet communications and the ability to observe beyond visible light—including infrared, ultraviolet, microwave and X-ray wavelengths—allowed scientists to study the comet in ways that had not previously been possible.
A wide variety of substances were detected within Hale-Bopp, many for the first time in a comet. Numerous physical and chemical processes were analyzed in unprecedented detail. These findings helped clarify long-standing questions about the materials that may have been delivered to Earth early in its history—including water and organic compounds—and about the environments where comets are formed.
In early 1998, an entire scientific conference—The First International Conference on Comet Hale-Bopp—was devoted to the scientific results obtained from studying the comet.
Even decades later,scientists continue to observe Hale-Bopp. The most recent observations were obtained using the James Webb Space Telescope in July 2022, when the comet was farther from the sun than Pluto is on average.
The discovery of interstellar objects in recent years reinforces that similar processes occur throughout the galaxy. Meanwhile, the continued presence of comets and asteroids reminds us that planetary formation is ongoing and that impacts, while rare, are still possible.
Safety is a shared responsibility across our electric cooperative communities. This year’s student artists brought that message to life in a powerful and inspiring way.
The New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association is proud to announce the winners of our 2026 Safety Poster Coloring Contest, an annual tradition that highlights the importance of electrical safety while encouraging creativity among young co-op members across the state.
Students from participating schools submitted thoughtful and visually engaging posters that reflect key safety principles—from staying clear of power lines to being aware of electrical hazards at
home and outdoors. Each entry serves as a reminder that safety education can begin early and make a lasting impact.
NMRECA extends its sincere thanks to all students who participated in this year’s contest. Their enthusiasm and creativity made this competition a success and helped promote an important message that benefits our entire community.
Programs such as the Safety Poster Coloring Contest reflect on the cooperative commitment to education, community engagement and the well-being of our member-owners. By empowering young students to think about safety in creative ways, we’re helping build a safer future for rural New Mexico—one poster at a time.

First Place Nadia Lopez, 10 Fourth Grade, Dora Municipal Schools Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative

Second Place
Elsie Otero, 9
Fourth Grade, Magdalena Schools Socorro Electric Cooperative

Third Place
Jaycee M. Branch, 10
Fourth Grade, San Juan Elementary School
Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative
New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association is proud to recognize and celebrate the outstanding student-athletes who earned state championship titles during the 2026 season. These teams represent schools located within the service territories of New Mexico’s rural electric cooperatives, making their achievements especially meaningful to the communities we serve.
In gyms around the state, these champions have demonstrated dedication, discipline and a commitment to excellence. Their hard work reflects not only individual and team success, but also the strength of the schools, families and communities that support them.
Across rural New Mexico, these victories are shared accomplishments. They represent early mornings, long practices, supportive coaches and communities that rally behind their local schools. Our electric cooperatives are proud to serve these areas and to help power the places where these student-athletes live, learn and compete.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 state champions within our co-op communities. Your achievements inspire pride across rural New Mexico, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate your success.
Basketball (March 2026)
Boys
• 3A: West Las Vegas High School (Las Vegas)
• 2A: Texico High School (Texico)
• 1A: Fort Sumner/House High School (Fort Sumner/House)
Girls
• 5A: Hobbs High School (Hobbs)
• 4A: Kirtland Central High School (Kirtland)
• 2A: Mesa Vista High School (Ojo Caliente)
• 1A: Logan High School (Logan)
Wrestling (February 2026)
Boys Team Champions
• 3A: West Las Vegas High School (Las Vegas)
• 2A: Pecos High School (Pecos)
• 1A: Questa High School (Questa)






There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty dish that brings together family, tradition and the unmistakable flavor of New Mexico green chile. This comforting green chile chicken ’n’ corn bread bake, submitted by one of our readers, blends classic homestyle ingredients with a southwest twist—perfect for gatherings, potlucks or a cozy dinner at home.
This dish captures the essence of rural New Mexico kitchens—simple, filling and full of flavor. The green chile adds just the right amount of heat, while the creamy base and cornbread stuffing bring comfort in every bite.
Serves: 8
Prep and Cook Time: 45 minutes
2½ cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
¾ cup diced onion
½ cup chopped celery
teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4½ cups corn bread stuffing mix, divided
4 cups cooked chicken, cubed (rotisserie works great)
1½ cups sour cream
1 10-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup (undiluted)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
½ to 1 cup chopped green chile (to taste)
¼ cup butter, cubed
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
“Family favorites are the recipes that bring everyone back to the table—and this one always does.”
—CONTRIBUTORS BILL AND ANN G. HILLMEYER, SANDIA PARK, NEW MEXICO
• Preheat oven to 325 F.
• In a large saucepan, combine broth, onion, celery and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5-6 minutes until tender.
• Stir in 4 cups stuffing mix.
• Transfer mixture to a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Top with chicken.
• In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, soup and garlic powder. Fold in green chile. Spread evenly over chicken.
• Sprinkle remaining ½ cup stuffing mix on top and dot with butter.
• Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
• Garnish with sliced green onions and serve.


Do you have a favorite family recipe you’d love to share with fellow co-op members? We’re always looking for recipes that bring a taste of rural New Mexico to the table.
Whether it’s a family classic passed down for generations, a child-approved favorite, a potluck staple or a quick weeknight meal, we’d love to feature it in an upcoming issue of Enchantment.
To submit your recipe, include:
X The recipe name, ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
X A short story or background about the recipe, such as where it came from.
X A photo of the finished dish if you have one.
Submit your recipe to tcondit@nmelectric.coop. Your recipe could be featured in a future issue and shared with more than 113,000 readers across New Mexico’s electric cooperative communities.
MEAT RAMS AND EWES FOR SALE. Raise your own meat! This breed, called ‘Rocky Mountain Big’ are very large cross bred Rambouillet/Suffolk sheep specifically bred for raising meat instead of wool. Rams are quite gentle weighing about 350+ pound and with right nutition produce single 7-8 pound lamb at birth, also twins. Lincoln, NM 575-808-2711 (text only).
BLACK ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE. Thick, Easy Fleshing, Low Maintenance, Raised at high elevation.Trich and fertility tested. Top quality herd and heifer bulls available. Yearlings starting at $ 3400.00. 2yr old starting at $3600.00 Call/Text Bobby Salvo at Y Ranch, 575-642-0962. Datil, New Mexico.
AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES. Males & Female Black Tris. Herding & Companion lines. Tested & Shots. www.whitneyhillaussies.com. 575-779-9690.
1-4 COMPARTMENT FEED BINS FOR LIVESTOCK. 12 tons per compartment. Bobby Emery Welding Clayton, NM 88415 575-2077402, 575-374-2320.
IRRIGATION PIPE FOR SALE. Used PVC and Aluminum gated and non gated pipe for half price of new. Butterfly Valves, T’s, Elbows, plugs, Bonnets, ETC. Delivery Available. Call Sierra (575) 770-8441.
SUPERIOR WATER STORAGE TANKS FOR PEOPLE, CATTLE, RAINWATER, FIRE PREVENTION. Many sizes. Best Prices. 575-682-2308.
3/4 TON ALFALFA BALES FOR SALE. Call 505-681-8545.
NICE COLLECTION OF OLD TOOLS LATE 1800/1900. Old bed early 1900s. 2 Electric brand for sale. Call 505-235-8262.
FARM AND YARD EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: 1950 Ford 8N tractor, 16x6 2 axle trailer, log splitter, post-hole digger, cement mixer, wrought iron bender, gas grill. 505-753-4271. Leave voice message.
BUYING OLD GAS PUMPS, PUMP PARTS, OIL CANS, GLOBES, ADVERTISING SIGNS THERMOMETERS CLOCKS, OLD LICENSE PLATES, OLD NEON SIGNS. Call the Gas Guy in Embudo 505-852-2995. Have Truck - Will Travel.
MIG 180 MIG WELDER. One Lincoln welder. Big Bear 4x4 4 wheeler. Upright freezer holds 400 lb. Marble table 48’ x 54’, one inch thick. 1998 Cherokee 4x4 Jeep, one owner. Call 505-235-8262.
FREE COMPOSTED HORSE MANURE! I can load it in open pickups and trailers, also FREE. Ten miles north of Las Vegas, NM off Highway 518. Call Leslie at 505-690-8987 for more information.
LARGE HOG HOUSES. Gold G.E. range needs an igniter, Sears cultivater, Stiel Weed eater. 505-281-2381. Leave a message.
TUCUMCARI-1120 S SARATOGA, (Also next to US 54/Mountain Road) $20,000. City water close by. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
TUCUMCARI-1516 S SECOND STREET, Three bedroom, two bathroom home with garage and carport. $70,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-4562000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
CANADIAN RIVERWEST UTE LAKE- SIX 40 ACRE +/- PARCELS. Lake and Mesalands view. Call for showing and pricing. Owner Financing Available. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
CONCHAS-615
BULLHEAD, Three bedroom, two bathroom home with four bay boat storage/garage on three lots totaling just over one acre. $245,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
SUMNER LAKE- 225
INDIAN PLACE, Two bedroom, two bathroom home on 20 acres in River Ranches Subdivision. Spectacular views of Pecos River valley. $307,500. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
MILAGRO- 0000 PECOS SPUR, PORTILLO CREEK RANCH SUBDIVISION. Tract 6, 164 acres. Partial fencing. Wide open space. $80,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
MAGDALENA-0000 TBD STATE ROAD 169, 1.28 ACRES. Great mountain views 15 miles from Magdalena. Borders Cibola National Forest. Hunting potential. $15,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
DATIL/PIE TOWN AREA- 0000 3
HERRINGTON CANYON ROAD. 40+/- acres west of Herrington Canyon Road. North of Sawtooth Mountains and Cibola National Forest. $19,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
DATIL/PIE TOWN AREA- 0000 4
HERRINGTON CANYON ROAD, 20+/- acres east of Herrington Canyon Road. North of Sawtooth Mountains and Cibola National Forest. $12,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.

PIE TOWN- 78 E SAWTOOTH DRIVE, SAWTOOTH MOUNTAIN SUBDIVISION LOT 41. 14.43 acres vacant land. Views of Sawtooth Mountains. Close to Pie Town. $35,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
SOCORRO, SAN MARCIAL-SOUTH OF SAN ANTONIO-Willow Springs Subdivision16A Winchester, 161 acres. Great views in the Chupadera Mountain foothills. $105,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
HILLSBORO-10841 STATE ROAD 152, Over 5000 square foot home with three bedrooms and three bathrooms on just over six acres. Has fourth room that can be used as a bedroom. Pool and hot tub. $699,000. Big Mesa Realty, 575-4562000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-760-5461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
EASTERN NEW MEXICO- LET US SELL YOUR LARGE ACREAGE WORKING FARM OR RANCH. Broker is farm owner/operator and lifetime New Mexico resident. Big Mesa Realty, 575-456-2000, Paul Stout, Broker 17843, 575-7605461. www.bigmesarealty.com.
ENJOY OFF-GRID LIVING IN SAN MIGUEL COUNTY. Mostly flat land with pinon/juniper & views of Hermit’s Peak & Tecolote Peak. Quiet & serene. No utilities in place, but a small site-built home could be made livable with work. Laurie Frantz, Real Broker, 505-920-1346, lauriefrantz@gmail.com.
OWN A HISTORIC TIERRA AMARILLA PROPERTY. 2-story traditional adobe 1881 Garcia House w/tin roof; original interior adobe walls & wood floors in most of house. Zoned commercial & residential. Room in back was used as a stage. $200,000. Laurie Frantz, Real Broker LLC, 505-920-1346, lauriefrantz@gmail.com.
LAND FOR SALE IN RIO GRANDE ESTATES, NM. One hour south of Albuquerque. One acre parcels. $5800.00 per acre, or will consider best offer. Contact Carol Brand. 505 730-4491
1/4 ACRE LOT IN ELEPHANT BUTTE,109 NAMBE LOOP. All utilities included. 14ft RV canopy. 4 minutes from the Lake. $65,000. 575-449-9954.
1. Visit www.enchantment.coop/classifieds and complete form. You will be contacted by email with price and deadline to submit check or money order.
2. Ads will not be accepted over the phone.
3. Or, complete form and select category.
4. Write ad on another sheet of paper.
5. Price: $1.25 per word.
For example:
40 word ads are $50 80 word ads are $100
To Send and Pay Your Classified Ad
1. Mail ad and payment (Payable to NMRECA)
NMRECA • enchantment
614 Don Gaspar Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505
80 GLORIOUS HILLY
ACRES 3 MILES
SOUTH OF MADRID OFF TURQUOISE TRAIL. Stupendous views of surrounding hills & valley. Many building sites, good dirt road to top of lower 40 acres; no graded road beyond that. Large level spot w/shipping container on lower 40 acres is great building spot. No utilities in place. Laurie Frantz, Real Broker LLC, 505920-1346, lauriefrantz@gmail.com.
EDGEWOOD-FOR SALE BY OWNER. 2.5 Acre W/ 24’ x 48’ steel horse barn. Utilities in place. 505-269-1960.
LIGHTLY LIVED IN TOWNHOUSE OFF 4TH IN ALBUQUERQUE NORTH VALLEY. Open floor plan living/ dining room & kitchen. Slider leads to patio & walled backyard. First floor primary 1b1bath, laundry room. Second floor 2b1b. 1-car garage. Energy efficient central heat/cooling, programmable thermostat, low E windows. Laurie Frantz, Real Broker LLC, 505920-1346, lauriefrantz@gmail.com

3B2B HOME W/VIEWS IN RURAL, WOODED OJITOS FRIOS. Spacious living area, eat-in kitchen, laundry room. 1b1b casita w/livingbedroom area, kitchen, full bath. 2-car carport; 3-car garage w/loft & extra storage. Community water, septic, propane. Storage shed & partial shelter used for horses, all on fully-fenced 5.12 acres. Easy access to Las Vegas, Santa Fe, & beyond. Laurie Frantz, Real Broker LLC, 505-920-1346,lauriefrantz@gmail.com
Deadline
1. Due the 7th, one month prior. Ads due June 7 for the July issue. Good to Know
1. Only members of New Mexico electric cooperatives may place ads.
2. We reserve the right to reject any ad.
4. Advertisements in enchantment are paid solicitations and are not endorsed by the publisher or the electric cooperatives of New Mexico.
5. PRODUCT SATISFACTION, COMPLAINCE WITH APPLICABLE ADVERTISING RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND DELIVERY RESPONSIBILITY LIE SOLELY WITH THE ADVERTISER.
6. Enchantment prints monthly, except for June and December. Questions? Call: 505-982-4671.
TWO FLATBED TRUCKS FOR SALE: 2003, Ford Diesel F350 6.0 asking $15,000. 1994 Ford F350, long wheel Base / 11ft Bed 5 Speed, 4 whl $8,000. Call Henry 505-490-0317.
CLASSSIC FORDS FOR SALE: 1955 Victoria hard top, 312 Y-block T-bird engine, 3 speed manual, clean, no rust. 1954 F-100 completely restored OEM, but now is 12V. New custom paint and upholstery, tires and rims. 6 cylinder 3 speed on column. 505-753-4271. Leave voice message.
Name: Address: City: State: ZIP: Phone:
Cooperative:
Select Category Below
Animals Great Finds

Hosted by NMSU Santa Fe Cooperative Extension and Santa Fe County
Learn how to plant a fruit orchard from site selection, design, variety selection to harvest.
This series will begin with 1.5 acre plot of raw land and will take participants through:
Site selection
Soil preparation
Variety selection
Planting
Irrigation set up
Seasonal management
Harvest
Not a requirement to attend all sessions.
First “Kick off” sessions May 16 & 30 and June 13 & 17 at 12:00 pm. More dates to be announced. Santa Fe County Sports Field County Road 84 Jaconita, NM 87506.


This will be a demonstration orchard open to the public
Topics will cover proven research behind: Growing a small orchard
Pest management
Soil health
Pruning
Grafting techniques
Emphasis will be made on heirloom and new proven varieties for Northern NM. Learn from local growers

Are you ready to spring into energy savings? When we actively try to reduce our energy use at home, we save on bills and help our community. Read the efficiency tips below, then search for (and circle) the bolded words in the puzzle.
Spring Energy Tips:
Unplug chargers, gaming systems and other devices. Electronics can consume energy when they’re plugged in, even if you’re not using them.
Open curtains and blinds during the day to use natural light instead of lamps and other home lighting.
Dress for the weather. When it’s chilly, grab a jacket instead of turning up the thermostat When it’s warm, instead of turning on the A/C, open windows or turn on fans to circulate air. Turn off lights when you’re leaving the room for more than five minutes.

New Mexico’s rural communities, served by electric cooperatives across the state, are surrounded by breathtaking deserts, mountain ranges, and more than 50 national and state parks. From quiet villages to historic cities such as Santa Fe and Taos, the Land of Enchantment blends Native American, Mexican and Spanish cultures into something truly unique. Here are upcoming local events happening in co-op areas and beyond:
Alien Run Mountain Bike Competition
When: 10 a.m., May 2
Where: Alien Run Mountain Bike Trails, Aztec
Join the high-energy mountain biking event set on one of northern New Mexico’s most popular trail systems. Spectators are welcome to enjoy the action, and families can explore the surrounding outdoor recreation areas. alienrun.com
Unspun Tales Sheep in San Juan County
When: May 2
Where: Aztec Museum & Pioneer Village, 125 N. Main Ave., Aztec
This cultural and educational event focuses on the history and importance of sheep in San Juan County. Families can enjoy storytelling, demonstrations and interactive exhibits highlighting rural traditions. aztecmuseum.org; 505-334-9829
Aztec Motocross Races Round 4
When: May 2-3
Where: Aztec
Round 4 of the Aztec Motocross series brings fast-paced racing action for all ages. The event is great for motorsports fans, with a lively, familyfriendly atmosphere and local participation. facebook.com/Aztecmotocrossnm; 505-787-9608
Wildlife West Kite Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 2-3
Where: Wildlife West Nature Park, Edgewood
The free Wildlife West Kite Festival is held in the park’s front field. Families are encouraged to bring a kite or buy one on-site. Food vendors are available. Zoo admission is at regular prices. wildlifewest.org; 505-281-7655
Music at the Museum Stillwater 505
When: 7 p.m., May 8
Where: Aztec Museum & Pioneer Village, 125 N. Main Ave, Aztec
Enjoy a free evening concert featuring Stillwater 505 in a unique outdoor museum setting. This relaxed, family-friendly event is perfect for a spring evening in the community. aztecmuseum.org; 505-334-9829
Radio-Controlled Airplane Show Wildlife West
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 23
Where: Wildlife West Nature Park, Edgewood
This family-friendly flying show features radio-controlled and vintage model airplanes. Demonstrations take place in the south kite field. Food trucks available. Free to attend. wildlifewest.org; 505-281-7655
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Opening Day
When: May 23
Where: 500 S. Terrace Ave., Chama
Opening day of the historic railroad season offers families a scenic ride through the San Juan Mountains. This memorable experience combines history, education and breathtaking views. cumbrestoltec.com; 888-286-2737
Silver City Blues Festival
When: May 23-24
Where: Gough Park, Silver City
This free, outdoor blues festival features live music, food vendors and a welcoming, familyfriendly park setting.
silvercitybluesfestival.org
Wild West Frontier Festival
When: June 6-7
Where: Wildlife West Nature Park, Edgewood
Step back into the 1880s at this immersive Wild West experience featuring live gunfight shows, gold panning, frontier characters, live music and family games. The festival is fun and interactive for all ages.
wildwestfrontierfest.com; 505-281-7655
Heights Summerfest
When: June 13
Where: Albuquerque (Northeast Heights, typically along Central Ave.)
Attend this free, family-friendly community festival featuring live music, food trucks, local artisans and activities for children. It is a great way for families to enjoy a summer evening among their community.
cabq.gov/artsculture/things-to-do/annual-events/ summerfest/heights-summerfest
2nd Annual Albuquerque Woodworking Show
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 27
Where: St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona St. NE, Albuquerque
Explore handcrafted pieces, woodworking demonstrations and exhibits showcasing unique craftsmanship in a family-friendly environment. This event is presented in partnership with the New Mexico Woodturners, Rio Grande Woodcarvers and Santa Fe Community College’s Fine Woodworking Program. Free to attend. abqawa.org
Send your event details to eventcalendar@nmelectric.coop. Include the event title, date, town and a summary of the event. Include the event website address so readers can get additional event information. Submit the event notification at least 60 days before the event to meet our press deadline. Space is limited, and events are published at the discretion of the editor.
Advertising in Enchantment is both effective and a great value. We can accommodate just about any display ad size, and significant discounts apply for multi-edition and larger ad buys. Enchantment is distributed monthly to more than 113,000 homes and businesses covering about 80% of the state’s landmass. Independent reader research estimates monthly readership of more than 339,000.
The Enchantment digital edition extends its reach of the magazine.
Email EnchantmentAds@nmelectric.coop for more information.



By Jeff Groenewold
Electric utilities focus on delivering safe, reliable and affordable electricity to their communities by using a variety of energy generation resources, including natural gas, coal, hydropower, nuclear, solar and wind. One energy source often overlooked is geothermal energy. Geothermal power has been used for many years and continues to improve as new technologies are developed.
Geothermal energy is a renewable source of power that comes from heat inside the Earth. Geothermal resources are natural or man-made pockets of hot water found at varying temperatures and depths below the ground. Wells, which can be just a few feet deep to several miles deep, are used to bring extremely hot water and steam to the surface for a variety of applications, such as heating and cooling, direct use in industrial processes, and electricity generation.
The strongest geothermal resources in the United States are often found in regions with active geology, such as areas near major tectonic plate boundaries. These resources are not limited to one location but are spread across several Western states. One wellknown example is The Geysers in Northern California, the largest geothermal power complex in the country. These facilities use underground heat to boil injected water and create steam, which

spins turbines to generate reliable electricity for the power grid.
In 2023, geothermal generation accounted for approximately 17 billion kilowatt-hours, the equivalent of powering a city like Indianapolis for a year.
The United States has about 3.9 gigawatts of geothermal power capacity. Most of this power is produced in California and Nevada. Smaller amounts of geothermal power are also produced in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon and Utah.
New ways of exploring geothermal energy, such as enhanced geothermal systems and superhot rock technology, are helping developers access heat sources that were not possible to use before. These new methods are making geothermal energy available in more places across the country.
In early 2025, investment in geothermal energy grew quickly across North America, reaching $1.7 billion in the first quarter alone. One example of this growth is Fervo Energy’s Cape Station project in Utah. The project plans to produce 100 megawatts of power by the end of 2026 and increase to 500 MW by 2028. It already has approval to expand up to 2 gigawatts in the future. The project aims to produce electricity at a cost of $79 per MW.
Geothermal has a high capacity factor, near 90%, meaning it’s nearly always creating energy near its peak ability. This makes it a strong source for around-the-clock power. Electric utilities in the Western United States can benefit from existing geothermal plants, while new technologies such as EGS and hybrid designs are helping expand geothermal energy across the country. Continued federal support for tax credits, permitting and research lowers the cost and risk of new projects.
Federal policy has helped drive recent growth in geothermal energy. The Geothermal Tax Parity Act (HR 6873), introduced in late 2025, aims to put geothermal projects on equal footing with oil and gas by extending important tax benefits, including exploration credits. Other proposed bills before the House Natural Resources Committee focus on improving permitting, reducing exploration risk, clarifying land use and supporting lease sales.
Together, these efforts help create a stronger path for geothermal energy development in the United States.


energy is generated by injecting water into the ground. Underground heat boils the water, creating steam that travels through large pipes and is used to spin turbines that generate electricity for the power grid.

Congratulations to the winning artists who drew how they celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Marcus Cates • Age 10
Southwestern Electric Cooperative Grenville



Noah Duran • Age 6
Mora-San Miguel Electric Cooperative Pecos


William Marshall • Age 11
Socorro Electric Cooperative
May topic: Summer is almost here! Create a new flavor of ice cream to keep cool in the heat.
Send your drawing to:
By mail: Youth Editor 614 Don Gaspar Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505
By email: tcondit@nmelectric.coop
Deadline: Submit by the 9th, one month prior to publication. Winners receive a $15 gift card and are featured in the magazine.
Have a Youth Art topic?
Email or mail to the addresses at left or call 505-982-4671.

Include the following five items on the back of your drawing, otherwise you are disqualified:
First and last name
Age
Mailing address
Phone number
Electric co-op
Artwork accepted up to age 13.




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